What was the first feature film produced by Studio Ghibli?

The first feature film produced by Studio Ghibli was Castle in the Sky.

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Isao Takahata, Castle in the Sky was released in Japan on August 2, 1986. Its story follows the orphans Pazu and Sheeta as they race against government forces and air pirates to find Laputa, a legendary flying castle.

The film was made soon after Studio Ghibli was founded in Tokyo on June 15, 1985. It brought together many collaborators who would become central to the studio’s later productions, including composer Joe Hisaishi. Its flying machines, mining towns and floating technology helped establish its enduring steampunk-influenced visual identity.

The most common mix-up is Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, released in 1984. Nausicaä was directed by Miyazaki and produced by Topcraft before Ghibli existed, although much of its creative team later helped form the studio. Castle in the Sky is therefore the correct answer when “produced by Studio Ghibli” is meant literally.